The company will upgrade technology and equipment at its Burns Harbor and Gary, Indiana operations centers. In addition, IFS plans to relocate a portion of its research and development from Fresse Sur Moselle, France to Burns Harbor.

“We are grateful to the state of Indiana for assisting us in our plans to further educate our workforce and support our expansion plans. We are proud to be a part of the vibrant and growing business community and look forward to many more years of providing job opportunities for area residents,” said Eliot Weiner, director of IFS.

“Indiana has worked hard to create a competitive business climate that encourages companies to invest in the Hoosier State,” said Dan Hasler, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. “The decision by IFS to grow its business in northwest Indiana is yet another sign that our efforts are paying off and creating jobs for hard working Hoosiers.”

The company, which employs 42 Hoosiers at its five facilities in Gary and Burns Harbor, plans to begin hiring about two dozen additional maintenance and production associates in Burns Harbor next year.

As an incentive, Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Indiana Flame Service up to $240,000 in training grants based on the company’s training and job creation plans. These incentives are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. The town of Burns Harbor will consider additional property tax abatement at the request of the Duneland Economic Development Company.

“The town of Burns Harbor is glad to have IFS investing in our area,” said Jeff Freeze, a member of the Burns Harbor town council. “The creation of local job opportunities is exciting and we look forward to being a good partner in helping IFS achieve their corporate goals. This kind of economic development is possible because of a good business environment here in Indiana.”